How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.

Check Your Car's Locks

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost keys for my car car keys isn't difficult if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for the car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of manufacture.

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in various configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for Replace Lost Car Keys automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that can start your vehicle. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific type of key to be reset and function properly.

The process is now more involved than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the required information along with you and an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of your car, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to do this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.